Desert camping near Stateline
Mountains and easy lake access draw visitors to this small town in South Lake Tahoe.
- Stateline
Popular camping styles for Stateline
Dog-friendly getaways
7 top desert campgrounds near Stateline
Available this weekend
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping near Stateline guide
Overview
Set just across the California-Nevada state line from South Lake Tahoe, the small town of Stateline packs a lot in a small area, with a casino corridor and easy access to the lake and mountains. Hike the trails at Van Sickle Bi-State Park or play a round of golf at Edgewood Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort offers summer and winter activities and the chance to ski across two states. Campers will find plenty of cabin, tent, and RV camping options near the lake and on the mountain, along with backcountry options, on both the Nevada and California side of Lake Tahoe.
Where to go
Lake Tahoe
Stateline sits at the southeast corner of Lake Tahoe, a massive alpine lake with 72 miles of shoreline. Head north along the Nevada side of the lake for RV and tent camping at Nevada Beach Campground and Zephyr Cove, or head across the border for Campground by the Lake in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. Find scenic campgrounds at Emerald Bay State Park and D.L. Bliss State Park and further along the west shore of the lake on Highway 89 near Tahoe City. Look for backcountry options along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Kirkwood and Carson Pass Area
South of Stateline, Kirkwood is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, especially over the winter at the ski resort. Several camping options can be found just outside of town, including developed forest service and PG&E campgrounds around several small lakes, while additional campgrounds can also be found along the west fork of the Carson River. For hot springs and camping, head to Grover Hot Springs State Park near Markleeville.
High Desert and Valley
For high desert camping, head east over the mountains down to the valley, with RV resorts near Minden, Gardnerville, and Carson City. Further north, enjoy year-round camping around Washoe Lake at Washoe Lake Campground and at Davis Creek Campground. Further east, Dayton State Park and Fort Churchill State Park offer history and year-round camping in the high desert.
Eldorado National Forest
West of Stateline, the Eldorado National Forest offers nearly 600,000 acres of forest, lakes, and fishable rivers and streams, in addition to more than 50 developed campgrounds and plenty of dispersed camping options. Two wilderness areas, Mokelumne and Desolation, in particular, offer excellent backcountry camping options.
When to go
Like most towns around Lake Tahoe, Stateline is busiest over the summer, the most popular time for water recreation on the lake. Winter is also a busy period, with visitors flocking to Heavenly, Kirkwood, and other area ski resorts. Most campgrounds are closed over the winter, though plenty of cabin options are available. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for outdoor recreation and smaller crowds.
